US shipping Secure card payment Occult and esoteric books

Iwa-Pele: Ifa Quest: The Search for the Source of Santeria and Lucumi

Fatunmbi, Fa'lokun
Reader rating
4.6
(1 reviews) 36 sold
In stock

Stock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the ancient wisdom linking ethical living to profound spiritual awakening.

Babalawo Falokun Fatunmbi meticulously explores the spiritual path of Ifa, focusing on the core Yoruba principle of Iwa Pele – the integral connection between good character and spiritual evolution. This seminal work provides a clear and accessible guide for both novices and seasoned practitioners, demystifying the rich cosmological and theological principles of the Yoruba people. It serves as an essential resource for Western students of Ifa, offering practical techniques and deep understandings. Fatunmbi’s scholarship challenges preconceived notions, revealing the sophisticated depth and enduring relevance of African spiritual thought for contemporary seekers.

Key themes
Iwa Pele: Ethical Living Yoruba Cosmology Unveiled Accessibility for Westerners
Historical context

This work anchors itself within the Yoruba spiritual tradition, specifically elucidating the theology of Ifa and the Lucumi lineage for Western audiences. It serves as a bridge between traditional African cosmological principles and contemporary esoteric study.

Difficulty
●● Moderate
Fans will love it
Wole Soyinka · Chinua Achebe · Teo Soglo · Ifa Divination Texts
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2013 📖 260 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781482044959
Fun fact
Fatunmbi's 'Iwa-Pele' is a masterful exposition, offering unparalleled clarity on the ethical foundations of Ifa for a Western audience. It brilliantly unpacks complex Yoruba theology, making it accessible without sacrificing depth. While invaluable for those seeking a profound philosophical and ethical framework, readers solely interested in ritual instruction without the accompanying spiritual groundwork might find its focus too broad. Nevertheless, this book stands as a foundational text, essential for anyone serious about understanding the rich intellectual tradition behind African spirituality, and a vital entry point into the Ifa worldview.

📝 Description: Iwa-Pele: Ifa Quest: The Search for the Source of Santeria and Lucumi

Focused on the indigenous African belief that ethics and spiritual growth are irrevocably linked (Iwa Pele), this book provides clear direction for those interested in the spiritual path of Ifa. Filled with Techniques and Understandings for Beginners and Adepts alike, Iwa Pele continues to be a "Must Have" book for Western Ifa Followers to understand how and why the tradition is practiced. It is with great excitement that we welcome this second edition of what has become a classic in Yoruba literature. In this ground breaking book, Babalawo Falokun Fatunmbi continues the work of Yoruba writers such as Dr. Wande Abimbola and others in unmasking the deep cosmological and theological principles of the Yoruba people. This exposition of the theology of the Yoruba people challenges the prevailing prejudicial assumptions regarding the depth, beauty and relevance of African theological thought. Titled "Iwa Pele," this book focuses on the indigenous African belief that ethics and spiritual growth are irrevocably linked. Written in a highly accessible manner and in a style easily assimilated by the Western mind, this great work also provides sensible direction for those wishing to embark on the spiritual path of Ifa. Each chapter provides instruction for the adept on Ifa/orisa veneration as done in the traditional manner.

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Fatunmbi provides a meticulous exploration of the Ifa spiritual path, offering a scholarly yet accessible framework for understanding Yoruba theology. The book succeeds in its goal of serving as an essential resource for Western seekers by clarifying complex cosmological concepts and emphasizing the integral role of Iwa Pele. However, this work may not suit readers looking for purely narrative fiction or those uninterested in the rigorous theological underpinnings of African divination systems. It is best appreciated by those willing to engage with dense material on ethical living and spiritual evolution within a specific cultural context, rather than casual browsers seeking light entertainment or broad generalities about religion.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This text is an essential guide for Western students of Ifa who seek to demystify the rich cosmological and theological principles of the Yoruba people. It offers a clear and accessible path for both novices and seasoned practitioners, focusing on the core principle of Iwa Pele—the vital connection between good character and spiritual evolution. By providing practical techniques and deep understandings, it helps readers uncover the ancient wisdom linking ethical living to profound spiritual awakening. Fatunmbi’s scholarship challenges preconceived notions, making this a valuable resource for those eager to engage with the sophisticated depth and enduring relevance of African spiritual thought in their own contemporary lives.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★
If you are a Western seeker interested in the Ifa tradition, looking for a clear and ethical framework for spiritual development, or simply wish to understand the profound philosophical depth of African spirituality, this book is for you. It offers foundational insights and practical guidance.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Fatunmbi provides a meticulous exploration of the Ifa spiritual path, offering a scholarly yet accessible framework for understanding Yoruba theology. The book succeeds in its goal of serving as an essential resource for Western seekers by clarifying complex cosmological concepts and emphasizing the integral role of Iwa Pele. However, this work may not suit readers looking for purely narrative fiction or those uninterested in the rigorous theological underpinnings of African divination systems. It is best appreciated by those willing to engage with dense material on ethical living and spiritual evolution within a specific cultural context, rather than casual browsers seeking light entertainment or broad generalities about religion.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. While it offers depth for advanced students, the book is written with beginners in mind, providing clear explanations of foundational concepts and practices to ease your entry into the Ifa tradition.
'Iwa Pele' translates to 'gentle character' or 'good disposition.' In the book, it signifies the Yoruba belief that ethical conduct, moral integrity, and a balanced character are inseparable from spiritual growth and destiny fulfillment.

📖 Who should read this

If you are a Western seeker interested in the Ifa tradition, looking for a clear and ethical framework for spiritual development, or simply wish to understand the profound philosophical depth of African spirituality, this book is for you. It offers foundational insights and practical guidance.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Iwa Pele: Ethical Living

This book places ethical conduct and character development, known as Iwa Pele, at the very heart of spiritual progress. It demonstrates how cultivating a good disposition and moral integrity is not merely a byproduct of spiritual practice, but its fundamental prerequisite and an inseparable component of achieving true spiritual growth within the Ifa tradition.

Yoruba Cosmology Unveiled

Fatunmbi provides an illuminating exposition of the intricate theological principles and cosmic understanding central to the Yoruba worldview. He breaks down complex concepts in a highly digestible manner, allowing readers to grasp the profound philosophical underpinnings of Ifa, moving beyond superficial interpretations to appreciate its intellectual rigor and beauty.

Accessibility for Westerners

Recognizing the need for clarity across cultural divides, the author presents these ancient teachings in a style specifically tailored for the Western mind. This approach ensures that the nuanced wisdom of Ifa is not lost in translation, offering sensible direction and understanding for those embarking on or deepening their journey into this African spiritual path.

💬 Quotes from the book

“True spiritual power does not arise from ritual alone, but from the unwavering commitment to ethical character, the very essence of Iwa Pele.”

“We must dismantle the lingering misconceptions of 'primitive' African thought, for within these traditions lies a philosophical depth that rivals any in human history.”

📜 Historical context

Following in the footsteps of revered Yoruba scholars like Dr. Wande Abimbola, Falokun Fatunmbi’s work contributes significantly to the ongoing effort to articulate and preserve the intellectual sophistication of Yoruba thought. This book stands as a crucial text in challenging colonial-era prejudices that often dismissed African spiritual systems as unsophisticated, firmly establishing its place within a growing body of literature that reclaims and celebrates indigenous African wisdom.

📚 Glossary

Ifa
Iwa Pele
Babalawo

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a time when your ethical choices directly impacted your spiritual or personal well-being. How does this align with the concept of Iwa Pele?
  2. Consider a Western spiritual or philosophical concept you are familiar with. How might the Yoruba cosmological principles presented in this book offer a different perspective or deeper understanding?
  3. In what ways can you actively cultivate 'Iwa Pele'—a good and gentle character—in your daily life to enhance your spiritual journey?

🏛 Books from this publisher Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

All books from this publisher →

You might also like

See more →